If you dream of becoming a qualified artisan in South Africa, Transnet has just opened six training doors for you. The Artisan in Training Apprenticeships for 2026/2027 are now open, and the closing date is 20 October 2026. When we compared the official listings, we found six trades — including a Welder opportunity that most websites missed. Read the full guide on the Transnet Artisan in Training Apprenticeships first, then follow every step below.
What Is the Transnet Artisan in Training Apprenticeship?
Transnet is one of South Africa’s biggest state-owned companies. It runs trains, ports and pipelines across the country.
Through this programme, Transnet trains young people to become qualified artisans. You learn practical skills in a real workshop, guided by experienced tradespeople.
The programme falls under the Transnet Corporate Centre, Trainee employee group, Grade APP. The goal is simple: to prepare you to work independently in your chosen technical field one day.
Who Can Apply for the Transnet Apprenticeships?
Many applicants lose their chance because they skip this part. Please check every requirement before you apply.
You must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be between 18 and 30 years old.
- Hold a qualifying technical qualification.
- Have at least 50% in Mathematics.
- Not already hold a Trade Certificate or Red Seal.
- Attach your qualifications and academic records.
The 50% Mathematics rule is where most people get stuck. Transnet will not accept experience or unrelated certificates instead. Check your academic record now to make sure the mark is clearly shown.
Which Qualifications Does Transnet Accept?
Transnet accepts three study routes. Your subjects matter as much as your certificate level.
Route 1: N2 to N6
Your N-certificate must include these subjects:
- Relevant Trade Theory
- Engineering Science
- Mathematics
- One more relevant subject
Your Trade Theory must match your chosen trade. An Electrician applicant needs electrical trade theory. An N-level certificate without the right subjects will not help you.
Route 2: NCV Level 4
TVET college graduates with an NCV Level 4 can also apply. Your qualification must include:
- Relevant Trade Theory
- Mathematics
- Appropriate vocational subjects
The 50% Mathematics rule applies here too. Your vocational subjects must support the trade you want to follow.
Route 3: Technical Grade 12
You can also apply with a completed Technical Grade 12. Your subjects must include:
- Mathematics
- Physical Science
- Relevant Trade Theory
Important: ordinary Grade 12 is not the same as Technical Grade 12. If you passed Maths and Physical Science but never studied Trade Theory, you may not qualify. Check the exact subjects printed on your certificate.
Which Six Trades Can You Choose?
When we compared the listings, we found six trades with separate reference numbers. The Welder opportunity was missing from many summaries, so read this section carefully.
1. Boilermaker — Reference req5979
Location: Koedoespoort, Pretoria, Gauteng.
Boilermakers work with steel structures and metal fabrication. Typical tasks include reading engineering drawings, measuring and cutting metal, fabricating steel components, assembling industrial structures and inspecting finished work.
This trade suits you if you enjoy practical metalwork and hands-on engineering projects.
2. Electrician — Reference req5978
Locations: Koedoespoort, North End, Cambridge and Salt River.
Electricians keep machinery, electrical installations and control systems running safely. Tasks include understanding circuits, inspecting equipment, finding faults, testing components and supporting maintenance.
This trade suits you if you like electrical systems and troubleshooting.
3. Fitter & Turner — Reference req5977
Location: Koedoespoort, Pretoria, Gauteng.
This trade combines mechanical fitting with machining work. Tasks include reading mechanical drawings, using measuring instruments, manufacturing parts, assembling machine parts and checking accuracy.
This trade suits you if you enjoy precision work and solving mechanical problems.
4. Millwright — Reference req5976
Locations: Bloemfontein, Germiston, Koedoespoort and Salt River.
Millwrights work with both mechanical and electrical systems. This matters in factories and rail maintenance facilities that depend on complex machinery. Tasks include maintaining equipment, finding machinery faults and supporting installations.
This trade suits you if you enjoy both mechanical and electrical engineering.
5. Mechanical Fitter — Reference req5975
Locations: Germiston and Salt River.
Mechanical Fitters install, maintain and repair industrial machinery. Tasks include inspecting machines, understanding assemblies, finding faults and using technical measuring tools.
This trade suits you if you like working with machines and tools.
6. Welder — Reference req5980
Locations: Bloemfontein, Koedoespoort, Salt River and Durban.
Welders join metal components using specialised equipment. Tasks include preparing surfaces, reading welding drawings, joining metal and checking weld quality.
This trade suits you if you enjoy metal fabrication and craftsmanship.
Note: these descriptions show typical work in each trade. They are not a confirmed training curriculum from Transnet.
Where Are the Training Locations?
Not every trade is offered at every site. Check your trade’s location before you apply.
- Gauteng: Koedoespoort (Boilermaker, Electrician, Fitter & Turner, Millwright, Welder) and Germiston (Millwright, Mechanical Fitter).
- Western Cape: Salt River, Cape Town (Electrician, Millwright, Mechanical Fitter, Welder).
- Free State: Bloemfontein (Millwright, Welder).
- Eastern Cape: North End and Cambridge (Electrician).
- KwaZulu-Natal: Durban (Welder).
Transnet has not confirmed travel or accommodation help. Think about how you will get to your training site every day before you commit.
What Will You Gain From This Programme?
Training activities may include:
- Preparing tools, materials and work areas
- Using hand tools, power tools and measuring instruments
- Manufacturing and assembling components
- Inspecting installations and equipment
- Identifying faults and supporting maintenance
- Following workshop safety procedures
The exact skills depend on your trade. An Electrician apprentice learns different things from a Boilermaker apprentice.
Transnet also looks for problem-solving, analytical thinking, communication and teamwork. These skills matter in busy engineering workshops.
Completing an apprenticeship can open the door to a trade test, a Red Seal certificate and a real engineering career.
Can You Apply If You Already Have a Red Seal?
No. This programme is only for people who do not yet hold a Trade Certificate or Red Seal.
Do not confuse it with Transnet’s Work Integrated Technical Learner programme. That one is for qualified artisans who need workplace experience.
Here is the difference:
- Artisan in Training: for aspiring artisans. Red Seal not allowed. Age 18–30.
- Work Integrated Technical Learner: for qualified artisans. Red Seal required. Different conditions, generally age 18–35.
Applying for the wrong programme will waste your time. Choose the one that matches your stage.
How Long Is the Programme and Will You Be Paid?
Some websites say the apprenticeship lasts 24 months. However, the official listings we reviewed do not confirm this. Ask Transnet to confirm the exact duration before you sign anything.
The listings also do not mention a monthly stipend. Many apprenticeships do pay learners, but do not assume an amount. Before accepting a place, confirm:
- The monthly payment amount, if any
- Payment conditions
- Your training contract terms
- Transport arrangements
- Accommodation support, if any
Which Documents Should You Prepare?
Get these ready before you open the application form:
- Your completed technical qualification
- Your full academic record
- An updated CV
- Your South African ID details
- An active cellphone number
- A working email address
Why does the academic record matter so much? Your certificate may show you passed N3 or NCV Level 4, but not every subject mark. Transnet needs to see Mathematics at 50% or higher, plus your technical subjects. Make sure your record clearly shows this.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Applications go through the official Transnet Talent Portal. Each trade has its own page and reference number. Applying for one trade does not cover the others.
- Choose your trade. Pick the one that matches your subjects and interests.
- Check your qualification. Confirm your N2–N6, NCV Level 4 or Technical Grade 12 includes the right subjects.
- Verify your Mathematics mark. You need at least 50%.
- Open the correct recruitment page. Use the official link and confirm the reference number.
- Register or sign in. Create a profile on the Talent Portal if you do not have one.
- Complete your details. Give accurate contact, citizenship and education information.
- Upload your documents. Attach your qualifications, academic records and anything else the system requests.
- Review and submit. Check everything, then keep your confirmation.
Do not wait until the last day to create your profile. Portals get busy close to deadlines.
When Is the Closing Date?
The closing date is Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
The exact closing time is not stated. Complete your application early instead of hoping submissions stay open until midnight. Transnet expects you to make sure your application arrives on time.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
After helping many South African job seekers, we have seen the same mistakes over and over. Here is how to avoid them:
- Do not mix up the Artisan in Training and Work Integrated Technical Learner programmes.
- Select the correct trade and reference number.
- Check that your training location works for you.
- Confirm Mathematics at 50% or higher on your academic record.
- Attach the full record, not just the certificate.
- Confirm you do not already hold a Red Seal.
- Test your cellphone number and email before applying.
- Submit well before 20 October.
One more warning: nobody can guarantee you a Transnet placement, not even for money. Scammers target desperate applicants. Only use the official Talent Portal, and never share banking passwords or one-time verification codes with anyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with N2, N3, N4, N5 or N6?
Yes, if your certificate includes the relevant technical subjects. You also need at least 50% in Mathematics and must meet the other requirements.
Does Mathematical Literacy count?
No. The reviewed requirements ask for Mathematics at 50% or higher. Mathematical Literacy is not listed as an accepted alternative.
Can I apply if I already have a Red Seal?
No. This programme excludes candidates who already hold a Trade Certificate or Red Seal.
How many trades are available?
Six: Boilermaker, Electrician, Fitter & Turner, Millwright, Mechanical Fitter and Welder.
What is the closing date?
Tuesday, 20 October 2026. Apply through the official Transnet Talent Portal before the deadline.
The Bottom Line
The Transnet Artisan in Training Apprenticeships 2026/2027 offer real technical training in six trades across several provinces. Our comparison found three things you must remember: the 50% Mathematics rule, the exclusion of existing Red Seal holders, and the sixth trade — Welder — that many listings leave out.
Many applicants struggle with checking their subjects properly, and that is where applications fail. Start today: confirm your qualification, find your Mathematics mark, choose your trade and prepare your documents.
If everything lines up, submit your application on the official Transnet Talent Portal well before 20 October 2026. This could be the first real step towards your Red Seal and a career as a qualified artisan. You can do this.